Cases of digital arrest are rapidly increasing; how to identify if a call is from a scammer or not?

Digital arrest is not a legal process, but a cyber fraud. In this scam, criminals claim that you are involved in a serious crime through your Aadhaar card, bank account, or a courier service.

In the digital age, where mobile phones, UPI, and online banking have made life easier, cybercriminals have also devised new ways to commit fraud. One such dangerous method is the digital arrest scam, which is rapidly targeting people. In this scam, fraudsters impersonate police officers, CBI, NCB, or other government agency officials and scare people over phone or video calls, extorting money from them.

According to data from the Union Home Ministry, in the first 10 months of 2024 alone, more than ₹2140 crore has been swindled across the country through digital arrest scams. This is why it has become crucial to understand whether a call is genuine or from a scammer. So, let's tell you today how you can identify whether a call is from a scammer or not.

What is a digital arrest scam?

Digital arrest is not a legal process, but a cyber fraud. In this scam, criminals claim that you are involved in a serious crime through your Aadhaar card, bank account, or a courier service. They then say that you must immediately participate in an investigation via video call, and your digital arrest is shown from there. During this process, they demand money through UPI, bank transfer, or other digital payment methods in the name of bail, clearance fees, or fines.

How to identify if a call is from a scammer?

• If you receive such a call where someone tries to scare and defraud you, understand that they might be cyber fraudsters.
• In a digital arrest scam, scammers threaten arrest over the phone and demand money.
• If you receive such a call, do not share your Aadhaar number, bank details, OTP, or password. If the caller claims to be from a government agency or a police officer, verify their identity first.
• In fact, no government agency will ever ask you to pay a fine or bail over the phone.
• If the caller demands a fine or payment via digital means, understand that it is 100 percent a scam. Do not make any payment to such numbers.
• Additionally, if you are asked to click on a link or download an app during the call, understand that it could also be a scam.
• If you receive a call related to a "digital arrest," try to record the call and then file a complaint on the cybercrime portal www.cybercrime.gov.in or with your local police.
• To avoid such calls, keep Truecaller or a spam detection service enabled on your phone so that potential scammers can be identified.